Meet Kenna Monrroy | Professional Spray Tan Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenna Monrroy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenna, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks is what life is all about. Often people are so afraid to step out of their comfort zone and it holds them back from doing things they’ve wanted to do. When I first started my mobile business, Got to Glow, I was working full-time at a gym. I chose the 5am shift schedule in order to be able to go to school after work. I was enrolled at Cal State LA full-time and arranged my course schedule to make time for school as well as the things that were important to me. In 2021 I had the idea to start my own mobile spray tanning business. I had no idea how to run a business, how I would find my clientele, or where to begin – so I started by creating an Instagram page. I educated myself on business operations through internet resources, local retired businesspersons, and some free legal advice. Within my first year of business, my hard work was paying off and I was able to grow quickly through word of mouth, so much so, that I was able to quit my job at the gym. February 2023 will be two years since I first started Got to Glow. I currently spray tan as my full-time job, rent a studio part-time to host my clients, and have doubled my clientele. The passion I have to continuously grow my business comes from my desire to help my clients feel confident in their skin. I have worked through so many hurdles in my life and navigating a business with no prior
knowledge has been no easy task. However, looking back at my accomplishments gives me the strength to carry on because I know that if I fail, I will get back up again.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Got to Glow is special because it goes far beyond an another spray tan. I am constantly asked why I love spray tanning and it’s because I am able to help others feel their best in their own skin. I have struggled so much with my own self image which ultimately has impacted the person I once was. I now understand the value of what it means to love yourself and how being kind to yourself is so important. Women constantly are coming to me and feeling like they have to explain some part of their body when undressing, and I am there to help them take those thoughts out of their head. It is imperative I am just as supportive of my clients as they are to me. Especially because without them, there would be no Got to Glow. I want others to feel confident, beautiful, and happy after booking a session with me because I believe everyone deserves to feel good about themselves. For that reason, I am extremely passionate and try to engage and share with my clients too. Although it is not always easy putting myself online and sharing videos or photos, I know it will reach someone who needs it for a little push. I keep my socials as positive and interactive as I can but wish it was easier to share my losses or failures because I have those moments too. Got to Glow will always have your best interest and will have you glowing mentally and physically!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I feel like I have the best little gems. Every morning we would go to Savvvys in Pasadena for the best coffee in town! Followed by a workout either at John Reed or Speakeasy Fitness. These gyms have become some of my safe havens. I always leave feeling my best and have made awesome friendships here. If we were going to brunch Id make a resy for my other favorite place, Edwin Mills. They have the best happy hour/ brunch deals that simply can’t be beat. If we wanted more scenic views Id make plans near the beach or a dinner reservation with a view on a rooftop. One of my favorite things about living in LA is that there are always so many new events to try throughout the week. Id love to take my bestie to my Thursday night farmers market in South Pasadena, night markets in K-Town, small business pop ups, or maybe even a drive in cinema. There is always so many fun things to do in Los Angeles

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Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Even though I am the name and face behind Got to Glow, I would have never been here without the help of my mini army.

Becca, Paulina, and Liz – When I first started Got To Glow, I had no idea where to begin. But every first step I took they stood by my side and were truly my number 1 cheerleaders. They posted on their socials like it was their job. They would book with me consistently so that I wouldn’t have weeks with no clients. They checked up on me when I’d go with a new client on a mobile. They were so happy for me and all my wins no matter how big or small they were. They continue to support me and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. I am so grateful and love you girls SO much. Thank you for always believing in me, especially when I didn’t.

James- After being in business for about a year I met James. We would talk about my spray tanning business and he quickly became a friend and eventually a mentor. I brought James on as a business manager to help grow my clientele and market better. James really changed the game for me and was able to help grow my business so I could leave my part-time job at the gym to do spray tanning full-time. It wasn’t until working with James that I realized what I am actually capable of doing with this business and how much I believe in it. Thank you James for believing in me and guiding me through my wins and losses.

ChaCha & Lolo: I will forever remember the first time I thought of Got to Glow and bringing it up at the dinner table with you all. What started off as table talk is finally here and I am so grateful for that memory and conversation. I will forever cherish the help of you both and your constant support in all aspects of my life. I love you guys.

Mom- Funny enough my mom is the person that introduced me to spray tanning and signed me up for an interview at our local tanning salon despite my disinterest. Fast forward 4 years later of me working at said salon, I started my own business from a job I didn’t even know I had loved yet. My mom has always said the world works in mysterious ways and even though I don’t think either of us saw this coming I know she sees me working hard and passionately. She has been so gracious in supporting my business endeavors and creative ideas. She is my biggest fan and supporter and I love her very much. Thank you mom. Amor Eterno.

Instagram: @gtg_sprays

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/got-to-glow-pasadena

Image Credits
LARA BLANCO PHOTOGRAPHY MADCITY STUDIOS